10 Chicago Food Events to Welcome Autumn this October

Autumn has arrived in Chicagoland, and this month’s festivals pair perfectly with a crisp breeze and the rustle of leaves on the ground. Food celebrations starring apples, wine, cider, and, of course, plenty of beer will keep you warm as the weather starts to turn. Don’t forget to double-check event pages for updates, times, and ticket pricing.

1. Villa Park Brewfest

October 1 | Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park, Villa Park
Several breweries will be on tap for this Villa Park beer festival. Enjoy cider and beer from places like 2 Fools Cider, Exit Strategy Brewing, Dry City Brew Works, and more. Be sure to get a babysitter: This is a 21+ event.

2. Woodstock Ale Fest

October 1 | Clay St. and Newell St., Woodstock IL
The ninth annual Woodstock Ale Fest is back this year with plenty of craft beer to go around. The festival features breweries located within 100 miles of Woodstock. Food Trucks from El Chido Street Tacos, Smiley’s BBQ, and others will be there to help you absorb the beer.

3. WingOut Chicago

October 1-2 | St. Michael’s Church, Old Town
It’s a chicken wing block party at St. Michael’s Church in Old Town with the annual WingOut Chicago festival. More than 20 varieties of wings, from classic Buffalo to the spicier varieties and everything in between, will be served up along with live music.

4. Apple Fest

October 1-2 | Lincoln Square
The popular Apple Fest returns for its 35th year in Lincoln Square. Apple cider, apple pie, apple donuts, and plenty of other fall treats will be available to celebrate autumn. Enjoy live music and family activities, too.

5. Lakeview East Oktoberfest

October 1-2 | Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church East Parking Lot
If you didn’t get your fill of Oktoberfest celebrations in September, stop by this Oktoberfest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Belmont Avenue in Lakeview. Get a taste of beer, pretzels, and other food from local vendors, along with family activities and live music.

6. Lincoln Park Wine Fest

October 7-9 | Jonquil Park
Wine is the name of the game for the Lincoln Park Wine Fest in Jonquil Park. Ticketed wine tastings allow patrons to try out 12 different wines (with VIP guests getting an additional five tastings). See event page for ticketing details and tasting session times.

7. Chicago Beer Fest

October 8 | The Field Museum
Have a beer with the dinosaurs at The Field Museum’s Beer Fest. Sip on beer from over 65 breweries, with access to special seasonal fall beers. Attendees can browse select exhibits at the museum, too.

8. Joliet Fall Food Fest

October 15 | All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Joliet
All Saints Greek Orthodox Church will be home to the Joliet Fall Food Fest this year. Enjoy Greek food, pastries, drinks, and more.

9. Cider and Ale Festival

October 22 | The Morton Arboretum
Take in the colors of fall at The Morton Arboretum with the Cider and Ale Festival. Fall beers and hard ciders will be served from over 30 local breweries. Walk along the paths at the arboretum and also enjoy food tastings from local vendors.

10. Lincoln Roscoe Beer Stroll

October 22 | Various Locations, Lincoln Avenue, Lakeview
This ticketed Halloween-themed beer stroll on Lincoln Avenue is a first for Lakeview and Roscoe Village. Walk along three routes, stopping at 30 local businesses with as many craft beers to try on each route.